Zoo versus zoom

Zoos SA head of life sciences Peter Clark is concerned about the impact a nearby drag racing strip could have on the future of the Monarto Zoo.

The Murray Bridge Council’s Development Assessment Panel last week approved an application from Santel International Racing to build a 1km drag strip on a 200ha property across the road from a section of the zoo.
The facility, on land zoned for primary production, would also include a grandstand, spectator mound and parking for 5000 vehicles.
The consent was subject to a number of conditions including that there only be 16 racing days per year between August and April and that racing must be staged between 10.30am and 6pm.
A traffic management plan was requested, as well as more details regarding a 10m mound to act as a sound barrier around the drag strip, before final approval could be granted.